A COMPARISON OF DIGITAL LUMINESCENCE RADI OGRAPHY AND CONVENTIONAL FILM SCREEN TECHNIQUES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF FRACTURES/

Purpose: The accuracy of digital luminescence radiography was compared with that of conventional film/screen techniques, using animal prepar ations and clinical examinations. Material and method: Fine fissures w ere made in 8 animal bones and these were examined radiologically. The digital examinations were carried out with and without edge enhanceme nt. 208 patients were examined in a similar way. Film quality and asse ssment of the fractures were evaluated quantitatively. Results: In no instance did either of the digital methods provide inferior quality wh en compared with conventional films. ROC analysis for evaluation of fr actures in patients, using an experienced radiologist, showed no signi ficant difference between the various methods (ROC areas: conventional 0.947, digital 0.958, digital with edge enhancement 0.943). With a le ss experienced observer there were significant advantages for both dig ital methods (ROC areas: 0.851, 0.886, 0.908). Conclusion: Our investi gation has proved that fractures which are difficult to see can be rel iably demonstrated by digital luminescence radiography.